AEA team had a meeting with two university students of German origin who have been in the country on study research for their PHD thesis.
Jakob Engel and Lara Espeter are students of Humbold University and Techinical University respectively both in Berlin, German. The two are in the country to unearth the effects of Covid-19 on the Flower sector and the implication that had on the supply chain.
Speaking to them, AEA CEO Mr. Wesley Siele explained how Covid-19 threw the sector in a state of fear and the measures taken to mitigate spread as well as ensure business continuity.
It was reported that between 2020-2021, 5 flower farms within the Association’s membership were closed down rendering more than 3,500 employees jobless.
The Association walked with its members during those trying times constantly advising them on government updates, measures and policies. Coordination of travel permits to ensure flower trucks were allowed access to the airport during lockdowns and employees transported to and from work.
Key among the guidelines were the MOUs signed by the Association and Kenya Plantations and Agricultural Workers Union which guided on how employers rationalized their labour. It was noted that normalcy has slowly been restored as people have learnt to survive in the ‘new normal’ but taking the necessary precautions to avoid spread.
The students were also keen to know more about the CBAs the Association negotiates on behalf of its members and their interest was drawn to the Horticulture Floriculture and Botanical Group CBA which has 72 implementors. They were taken through the negotiation process and the role of the Association as well as that of the Union.
The team was able to meet Kenya Flower Council CEO, Mr. Clement Tulezi who was also kind to give them an appointment to discuss the roles of KFC to the Flower sector.
